Many people are going to have to think twice about what they spend this Christmas.
More so than previous years, money is getting tight for everyone.
So keeping a check on your spending habits is going to be tough.
But if thought about carefully, it need not be all doom and gloom this Christmas Season.
Planning Your Budget Sit down and work out your budget, without getting yourself into unnecessary debt.
Remember, anything you put on a credit card still has to be paid for after Christmas! Take into account bills and expenses that you still need to budget for before and just after Christmas.
Earning Extra Money Is there any way you can earn any extra money? There are always plenty of shops and restaurants looking for extra staff at this time of year to work either part time or weekends.
Maybe you could have a clear out and sell some items on eBay or in the local newspaper classified ads.
Most supermarkets have a customer bulletin board where you can place adverts for unwanted goods.
Get sorting now - the sooner the better.
Plan Your Shopping Make a list of people who you need to buy for and work out a budget for each person.
Stick to that budget! Before you start your shopping do some research.
There are plenty of bargains to be found on internet stores and most major High Street stores also have an internet presence.
You could either shop online or at least do your research before you go into town.
Be it on the internet or by flicking through Argos, Woolworth, or Tesco Direct catalogues have in mind what you want to buy for everybody and make a list.
Think of at least two gift ideas for each person.
As you buy items make sure you cross them off your list and keep a note of everything that you spend.
It is all too easy to get carried away at this time of year.
Be Organised Start shopping as early as you can.
That way you can avoid the main crowds and any last minute panic buying.
If you buy any goods online you have plenty of time to have them delivered.
Ask children to make a list of what they want - up to a limit.
With older children you can explain that money is tight and you will do your best but I am sure they will understand if they can't have the most expensive present on their list.
Depending on your budget, pick from the list to suit your pocket.
If there is no way you can afford a special present why don't you ask Grandparents, friends or other relatives to chip in towards a bigger gift instead.
Homemade Offerings Think about any gifts that you could make.
If you can sew, knit or cook I am sure you could come up with some wonderful gifts.
Have a look online for some ideas or browse through the many craft magazines that are available.
You don't even have to buy them as most libraries have copies of many of the popular magazines these days.
The only down side is that you can't take them out of the library so you would have to make notes there.
While you are there you could look at the books which you can borrow to take home for a couple of weeks.
There are lots of lovely recipes available for sweets, biscuits, mince pies and much, much more - find some inexpensive boxes or bags to pack them in and tie them with ribbons and there you have a home-made Christmas gift which hasn't cost the earth.
Another idea could be to add a couple of extra items each week to your shopping basket and make up small gift hampers by covering boxes with wrapping paper.
Add in some home-made mince pies, biscuits or sweets.
Doing it this way you won't feel the pinch so much and your friends and family will love the personal touch.
Christmas is about spending time with your family and friends.
It is not worth getting into debt for.
Enjoy the time you spend with your family it is invaluable.
At the end of the day, don't spend what you have not got - after all, it's the thought that counts not the cost!